Tag Archives: bob wilson

Sam Kaye was one of the most selfless people I have ever met. He was the epitome of one who “gives back” to a community. Below is a partial tribute from the Mississippi Main Street Association. I could not have said it any better. Click here to read the rest of it. Rest in peace, Sam.

The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) honors the life of longtime friend and architect Samuel “Sam” H. Kaye, AIA, who went home to be with the Lord on January 1, 2013.

Since 1994, Kaye served as Staff Consultant to the Mississippi Main Street Association, working with towns throughout Mississippi. He served as MMSA Director of Design Services until 2007—in addition to running his own architectural firm, Luke Peterson Kaye, Architects.

Kaye volunteered for civic groups and the Episcopal Church in Columbus and for the state. He was also the first president of the Columbus Main Street Association.

“Sam has been involved with Mississippi Main Street since its origin,” said Bob Wilson, MMSA Executive Director. “He was serving on the Board of Advisors for the National Trust for Historic Preservation when Mississippi was brought into the Main Street program in 1986.”

“From that day forward, even though he had his own successful architectural firm, Sam gave tirelessly of his time, energy and leadership to Mississippi Main Street and other preservation groups, including the Mississippi Heritage Trust, for which he was chairman of the Steering Committee and Charter President,” Wilson said.

Kaye’s involvement through his work with MMSA has enhanced many Mississippi communities and neighborhoods. His work with upper floor downtown housing has resulted in more than 30 buildings being recycled with new viability in more than a dozen communities throughout Mississippi. His involvement with the Cutrer Mansion in Clarksdale, Mississippi resulted in saving this building, which is associated with noted playwright Tennessee Williams.

For those who have been to my retreats and training sessions, you know that I emphasize that one of the biggest reasons that strategic plans and goals are not accomplished is because there is insufficient responsibility and accountability. When things are not measured and reported people lose interest in them. Successful organizations measure progress and hold people accountable. And that is just one of the reasons that I believe is responsible for the success of the Main Street program nationwide, and the Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) in particular. MMSA is led by Bob Wilson.

Today, I received a newsletter from the association. The first item was a report on the things that it measures. The numbers speak for themselves.